Unics Kazan vs Milano

Unics Kazan played great basketball and made the big surprise winning away to Olympiacos with the score of 83-89. Pashutin readed the game well, in attack Domercant was unstoppable, and at critical times the points of Terrell Lyday made the difference. For the Russian championship, Unics Kazan won easily against Nizhny Novgorod with the score of 84-66 in the most recent match, and they have also great record for the VTB League (10-1). Pashutin kept low tones and referred to the quality of opponent, asked his players to forget the victory against Olympiacos and to play their usual defensive style, and to show intelligence and commitment to the plan that they have worked in training. He also stated that he has confidence in his players, that they can succeed a lot. The Russian coach does an excellent job in Kazan and the climate to the team is very good.

In a game where terrible basketball was played, Fener won against Milano with the score of 65-63. Scariolo tried to steal the match with some pseudo zones and combined defenses, something weird to play like that with such a good roster to their disposal. In the league they succeeded against Scavolini at home with the score of 81-70, after lot of consecutive defeats. Scariolo said that his team faced a very difficult opponent, who won a week ago in Athens, and that means a lot. He referred to the absence of Malik Hairston, and asked his players to stay focused for 40 minutes in the game. Is important for Milano the absence Malik Hairston, as the American forward did surgery on his left achilles tendon and will be absent for a long time. His absence will be replaced by a mediocre player, recently signed, J.R. Bremer, but he is ineligible to play until Top 16 Game 4.

The difference between the two teams is large. Not such big difference as a roster, but the basketball they play in the court is really different in quality. Unics Kazan is armed with an excellent chemistry, they have a very good home record, and with the smart brain of Pashutin, they can exploit the weaknesses of Milano and reach easily to a victory.